Two-time MotoGP world champion Casey Stoner has voiced serious concerns about the direction of grand prix motorcycle racing, warning that the series’ upcoming 2027 regulations may not only fail to improve safety and spectacle—but could actually make the sport more dangerous.
A key component of MotoGP’s planned overhaul is the shift to lighter, 850cc machines. But Stoner, speaking at the Austrian Grand Prix, argued that the changes miss the mark. He’s long been critical of the increasing reliance on electronic rider aids, which he believes create a false sense of security and encourage riders to push beyond safe limits.
Stoner’s latest critique came as MotoGP unveiled new control software aimed at reducing slides and wheelspin—technology that Dorna, the sport’s commercial rights holder, claims will enhance safety by preventing highside crashes like the one Pecco Bagnaia suffered at the 2023 Catalan GP.
But Stoner isn’t convinced.
“You can twist the throttle with nearly 300bhp and nothing happens,” he said. “These are the best riders in the world, riding the easiest bikes to ride. That’s not something I’m interested in.”
He recalled his own frustrations from 2012, when electronic interference began to erode the raw connection between rider and machine.
“I didn’t enjoy riding bikes that took so much control away from me. And now, they’re adding even more.”
Stoner questioned the logic behind the new tech, arguing that it doesn’t address the real safety issues.
“Where’s the reasoning? It’s certainly not safety. Half the grid was injured last year or the year before. That’s not safer.”
He believes that fear—of crashing, of losing control—is a natural and necessary part of racing. Removing it, he says, leads to reckless riding.
“If you highside and get a scare, it tames you. But if you trust the electronics blindly, that’s when things go wrong.”
Stoner also warned that by making the rear of the bike too safe, riders are forced to push harder on the front end—where crashes are more catastrophic.
“Lose the front, and the bike often comes back onto the track. We’ve seen horrific accidents from that. The safer the rear, the more dangerous the front becomes.”
While Dorna insists the 2027 rules will slow the bikes and improve safety, Stoner remains unconvinced. He believes the real issue lies not in horsepower, but in aerodynamics.
“Not even close,” he said when asked if the new rules go far enough. “You’re making the bike lighter, which shortens braking zones and reduces overtaking opportunities.”
He pointed out that winglets and high corner speeds will continue to cause instability and tyre temperature issues—problems that the new regulations fail to address.
“Each step they take is in the wrong direction. There’s enough evidence to prove it.”
Stoner also criticized the influence of manufacturers and governing bodies, suggesting that MotoGP is repeating the mistakes Formula 1 spent years correcting.
“We’re making champions out of engineers, not riders. And we’re heading into an era of all the mistakes F1 made.”
Despite MotoGP’s efforts to improve the show, Stoner believes the sport is losing its essence.
“F1 cars are big and wide, yet we see more racing now. With bikes, we’re seeing less than ever.”
His message is clear: if MotoGP wants to preserve its identity and protect its riders, it needs to rethink its priorities—before it’s too late.
